Picture Frame with Recording Function

ABSTRACT

A soft sculpture picture frame in the shape of a human or animal, with a contained audio recording and playback device. A message may be recorded on the audio recording and playback device for later playback, by pressing a recording activation means contained within part of the human shape of the picture frame. The recorded message may be played back by pressing a playback activation means contained within part of the human shape of the picture frame, preferably a different part. Picture retaining means holds a photograph of a person whose voice may be recorded on the device.

This application claims priority from U.S. provisional patentapplication No. 61/145,426, filed Jan. 16, 2009.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention is in the field of picture frames with audioplayback and recording functions and also in the field of soft sculpturepicture frames in the form of a person or doll, where the soft sculpturepicture frames have playback and recording functions.

BACKGROUND

It is well known that separation from a loved one for an extended periodof time can be emotionally difficult for the separated individuals. Thedifficulty of the separation may be aggravated by the circumstances ofthe separation and age of the people involved. For example, children mayhave difficulty in coping with the extended absence of a parent,especially where the parent or child is in a hospital, or where theparent is called to active duty in the armed forces.

One of the most common activities people engage in upon the end of aperiod of separation is a hug. Physical contact provides a level ofemotional comfort and reassurance that cannot be simulated by othermeans. Children often rely upon stuffed animals and dolls for comfortwhen faced with the absence of a loved one or when in an emotionalstate.

Separation issues may also be addressed in part by telephoneconversations between the separated individuals. Video conferencing is apreferred means for communication, as it provides the images and voicesof the separated individuals. However, such telephone conversations orvideo conferences can only occur by coordinating the schedules andcommunication resources of the separated individuals.

Picture frames with recording functions are known in the art. However,such picture frames are generally rigid and impersonal. An impersonalpicture frame merely provides the image of an enclosed photograph and isnot soft and capable of being hugged comfortably. As such, a normalpicture frame does not provide significant emotional support for someoneneeding comfort. A hard picture frame cannot be comfortably held, norcan travel around without risk of breaking. A hard picture frameprovides little tactile comfort for a user seeking emotional support.

In prior art products, a one time prerecorded message is located in thebelly of the product. The present invention is designed for safety,comfort, softness and is capable of being hugged to allow the inventionto be used for comforting a user. Having a hard object in the body of adoll would be an impediment to a user hugging the doll.

It is desired to have a device that can provide comfort to at least oneof a pair of separated individuals, with tactile, audio and visualelements. The invention was created to assist the separated individualsin coping with separation from the ones they love for any reasonincluding illness, hospital stay, daycare, camp, preschool, college,nursing home, divorce, death, giving birth, special needs, lovers andany other reason.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention is a huggable picture frame in the form of a person ordoll, with an audio playback and recording unit. The shape of theinvention is preferably a human shape in a soft sculpture, with a framecapable of holding a photograph. The audio playback and recording unitis activated by at least one remote button, and preferably one remotebutton is used for activating the recording function and a second remotebutton is used for activating the playback function. The audio playbackand recording unit preferably contains a microphone or other audio inputdevice and a speaker or other audio output device. The audio playbackand recording unit and power supply are enclosed within the softsculpture with sufficient cushioning that the presence of suchrelatively hard objects is not easily felt while the soft sculpture ishugged or squeezed. The overall impression of the picture frame is ahuggable doll, which with a selected photograph, presents a reminder ofa particular person to the user of the picture frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of the invention, showing certain features of theinvention, namely wiring, activation buttons, and audio recording andplayback device as located within the invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the invention, also showing certain features ofthe invention, namely wiring, activation buttons, and audio recordingand playback device as located within the invention.

FIG. 3 is a view of the audio recording and playback device, wiring andactivation buttons of the invention, removed from the overall invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The invention preferably consists of a human shaped doll 10, with anaudio recording and playback device 40, audio input means 42, audiooutput means 41, power supply 43, activation buttons 30 and 31, wiring50 and 51, and a picture frame 20 on the face of the human shaped doll10.

The overall shape of the invention is preferably similar in constructionto the design shown in my U.S. Design Patent No. Des. 429,780, but maybe of any configuration, including animal or abstract shapes. The mainbody of the invention is soft and filled with a stuffing well known inthe art of soft sculpture and stuffed toys.

The audio recording and playback device 40 includes audio input andoutput means and recording media for storing recorded audio, as are wellknown in the art. The audio input means 42 may be a separate microphoneand the audio output means 41 may be a separate speaker, or the two maybe combined into a single input and output device. The recording mediamay be any read-write capable media including but not limited to flashmemory, optical or magnetic media. In the preferred embodiment, therecording media is fixed within the audio recording and playback device40, but it may be removable and replaceable. Preferably, the audiorecording and playback device will retain a recording between 5 and 30seconds.

The audio recording and playback device 40 preferably includes a lockingbutton or switch 45 to alternatively enable and disable the recordingfunction, to preserve the recorded audio for a desired period of time,or otherwise prevent inadvertent recording over a desired message.Locking button or switch 45, electrically connected to the audiorecording and playback device 40, is shown in the drawings as integralto audio recording and playback device 40, but may also be located alongthe arm of the human shaped doll 10 or in the head of the human shapeddoll 10.

The audio recording and playback device 40 is contained in a single unitwith a power supply 43 and is preferably located in the head portion ofthe human shaped doll 10, but can also be located in the torso section.In the preferred embodiment, the audio recording and playback device 40is preferably contained in a concealed pocket 23 on the back of the headof the invention. The concealed pocket 23 is secured by a Velcro strip,preferably dyed to match the color of the head of human shaped doll 10.

By putting the audio recording and playback device 40 in a separatepocket 23 on the back of the head of human shaped doll 10, upon playingrecorded audio, the invention provides the appearance of speaking out ofthe mouth of the human shaped doll 10.

The power supply 43 for the audio recording and playback device 40 ispreferably powered by conventional 1.5 volt watch/photo batteries orother power sources known in the art. FIGS. 2 and 3 show the use of aAA-sized battery for ease of understanding the invention. The pocket 23in the head allows for easy access to change the batteries. Thebatteries may be included with the invention along with a protectiveplastic strip inserted during production to prevent battery leakage orpower loss/drainage of the batteries. The clear plastic strip is easilyaccessible on the power supply 43, as is known in the art, and ispreferably easily removable. This strip inside the power supply 43 isusually placed between any two of the batteries or between a battery andterminal connection, thereby interrupting the current flow andpreventing operation of the audio recording and playback device 40.Removal of the strip completes the power circuit, and activates theaudio recording and playback device 40 for operation.

The playback and recording functions of the audio recording and playbackdevice 40 are be activated by at least one button or switch. In thepreferred embodiment, there are two buttons or switches, a first buttonor switch 30 for initiating recording of audio and a second button orswitch 31 for initiating playback of audio. The two buttons or switchesare preferably not located adjacent to each other, to preventinadvertent activation. In the preferred embodiment, the first button orswitch 30 is located at the end of one arm of the human shaped doll 10and the second button or switch 31 is located at the end of the otherarm of the human shaped doll 10, each at or near the “hand” of theappropriate arm.

The exterior design of the invention preferably includes a symbol of amouth embroidered on the one hand of the human shaped doll 10, referredto throughout as the left hand. The first button or switch 30 is locatedinside the left hand, under the mouth symbol. A set of wires 50 extendsdown the left arm of the human shaped doll 10 to electrically connectthe first button or switch 30 with the audio recording and playbackdevice 40.

By pressing on the mouth icon on the left hand, the user will depressthe first button or switch 30 located therein. Pressure on the firstbutton or switch 30 will initiate the recording function of the audiorecording and playback device 40. Preferably, continued pressure on thefirst button or switch 30 will enable the recording function, so thatslight contact with the first button or switch 30 would not accidentallyoverwrite a recording. Releasing the first button or switch 30 wouldstop the recording function. The user would speak in the direction ofthe audio input means 42 within human shaped doll 10.

The exterior design of invention also preferably includes a symbol of anear embroidered on the right hand of the human shaped doll 10, referredto throughout as the right hand. The second button or switch 31 islocated inside the right hand, under the ear symbol. A second set ofwires 51 extends down the right arm of the human shaped doll 10 toelectrically connect the second button or switch 31 with the audiorecording and playback device 40.

By pressing on the ear icon on the right hand, the user will depress thesecond button or switch 31 located therein. Pressure on the secondbutton or switch 31 will initiate the playback function of the audiorecording and playback device 40. Unlike the first button 30, the secondbutton or switch 31 could activate with a single touch and preferablywould not require continued or extended pressure.

Alternative buttons or activation switches may be utilized as is knownin the art for the operation of electronic devices, including remoteactivation mechanisms such as infrared and radio transmitters.

The wires 50 and 51 and buttons or switches 30 and 31 are hidden fromthe user's view, being contained within the arms of the human shapeddoll 10. Use of soft stuffing and soft exterior materials are preferablyincorporated within the human shaped doll 10 to prevent or limit theuser's awareness of the wires and buttons or switches.

The embodiments noted above may also be reversed, namely that the righthand may be used for recording and the left hand used for playback.Alternatively, the buttons or activation switches may be located in thelegs and feet, or any other location on the invention.

The invention is preferably manufactured to be safe for all ages. Thepocket containing the audio recording and playback device is securedwith a fastener such as Velcro®, such that more than minor force wouldbe required to open the pocket. The wires are preferably heavily coatedto prevent inadvertent electrical discharge.

The recording function preferably includes a high-quality microphone 42so that audio may be recorded directly or over a telephone. The abilityto record audio from over a telephone enables the invention to beutilized for recording messages from individuals remote from theinvention.

The invention is capable of holding a picture in a clear pocket orpicture frame 20 that is attached on the head of the human shaped doll10, preferably in the location where a face might be found on a person.The picture frame 20 for the face is sewn and then sewn onto the head ofthe human shaped doll 10. A clear cover 21 is located within pictureframe 20, forming a pocket through which an inserted photograph or otheritem may be seen. Preferably, the head of the human shaped doll 10 hasan embroidered face so even when a real picture is not inserted, theinvention provides a human-like appearance. Additional pockets may beprovided on any part of the invention, such as on the torso of the humanshaped doll 10 for displaying additional pictures or storing items.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention presents a photograph or imageof an individual, with the individual's voice recorded on the audiorecording and playback device 40. Activation of the playback functionresults in the individual's voice to appear to come out of the head ormouth of the human shaped doll 10, giving the illusion that theindividual is physically present. Such “virtual” presence would be ofsome comfort or reassurance to a user of the invention.

The size of the overall invention may range from as small as 4″ to anylarger size. The preferred embodiment measures between 11″ to 17″ fromtop to bottom. The picture can be of one person, many persons or theuser can put just the face of a single person to make the human shapeddoll 10 look like the person. The invention was created to be a huggableframe not to actually look like the person but can be used for anyphotograph, image or drawing.

The invention is able to record any message a user would want and to beallow a user to record over the message as often as desired. Thepreferred embodiment of invention would hold any picture a user wouldwant, preferably sized to 2″×3″. The invention is designed to be used byspeakers of any language, not just English speakers.

The body of the invention is a soft plush doll, capable of being huggedor held by children or adults. A similar shaped huggable picture frame,embodying the design of my U.S. Design Patent has been used byindividuals of all ages and all genders in a variety of settingsincluding hospitals, military families and others.

By designing the invention in a human form, a user can easily hug itwith great comfort and can clearly hear their loved one speaking throughthe audio recording and playback device 40. By placing thespeaker/recorder in an accessible pocket on the back of the head, thebody of the invention remains soft and huggable, an improvement overprior art soft recordable dolls, which prior art devices placed therecording capabilities in the body of the doll.

The body of the invention is preferably covered with a hypoallergenic,stain resistant and spot cleanable fabric. Such fabric would make theinvention safe for children with asthma, cancer or any other illness.Being well cushioned, the invention travels easily as it can be rolledit up or squeezed without breaking.

While certain novel features of the present invention have been shownand described, it will be understood that various omissions,substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the deviceillustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the artwithout departing from the spirit of the invention.

1. A picture frame comprising: a soft sculpture doll, configured with abody and at least one extremity; an audio recording and playback devicecontained within the soft sculpture doll; a power supply containedwithin the soft sculpture doll electrically connected to the audiorecording and playback device; activation means for initiating recordingby the audio recording and playback device; activation means forinitiating playback by the audio recording and playback device; andpicture retaining means affixed to an external surface of the softsculpture doll.
 2. The picture frame of claim 1, further comprising:locating the recording activation means on an extremity of the softsculpture doll.
 3. The picture frame of claim 1, further comprising:locating the playback activation means on an extremity of the softsculpture doll.
 4. The picture frame of claim 3, further comprising:locating the recording activation means on a second extremity of thesoft sculpture doll.
 5. The picture frame of claim 1, furthercomprising: a switch for selectively enabling and disabling therecording function of the audio recording and playback device.
 6. Apicture frame comprising: A soft sculpture doll, configured in the shapeof a human with a head and bilateral arms and legs extending from atorso; picture retaining means located at a front side of the head ofthe doll; an audio recording and playback device; audio input meanslocated within the doll, the audio input means electrically connected tothe recording and playback device; audio output means located within thedoll, the audio output means electrically connected to the recording andplayback device; recording activation means located within the doll, therecordation activation means electrically connected to the recording andplayback device; playback activation means located within the doll, theplayback activation means electrically connected to the recording andplayback device; and a power supply, located within the doll.
 7. Thepicture frame of claim 6: where the playback activation means is locatedon an arm of the soft human form doll.
 8. The picture frame of claim 6:where the recording activation means is located on an arm of the softhuman form doll.
 9. The picture frame of claim 6: where the playbackactivation means is located on one of the arms of the soft human formdoll and the recording activation means is located on the other arm ofthe soft human form doll.
 10. The picture frame of claim 6: where theaudio output means is located within the head of the soft human formdoll.
 11. The picture frame of claim 6, further comprising: a switch forselectively enabling and disabling the recording function of the audiorecording and playback device.
 12. An improved soft sculpture pictureframe, with a head and bilateral arms extending from a torso and pictureretaining means located at a front side of the head, the improvementcomprising: an audio recording and playback device; audio input meanslocated within the doll, the audio input means electrically connected tothe recording and playback device; audio output means located within thedoll, the audio output means electrically connected to the recording andplayback device; recording activation means located within the doll, therecordation activation means electrically connected to the recording andplayback device; playback activation means located within the doll, theplayback activation means electrically connected to the recording andplayback device; a switch for selectively enabling and disabling therecording function of the audio recording and playback device; and apower supply, located within the doll.